Seven Easy Steps To Learning Python Programming
This guide will introduce you to what Python is, why developers learn it, help you identify the core areas of Python you should focus on, and well-curated learning resources. If you are just starting out in programming, and Python is your first stop, Or you are already familiar with programming and intend to add Python to your tech stack, this guide is for you.
Read on…
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PYTHON
In 1991, six days after valentine's day, Guido Van Rossum thought the perfect valentine's day gift was a new programming language. The irony here was that the name of the language was carved after a comedy series titled “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (just in case you thought Python was named after the big snake)
Since then, the Python programming language has grown wild and wide, cutting into multiple disciplines; Machine learning, Data analysis, Web development, Game development and CAD applications.
You are about to read how to learn a 30-year-old programming language in seven steps. Brace up, pick your pen, dust your jotter, and let’s dive in.
What is Python programming language?
Python is commonly used to automate everyday tasks and build websites and essential software products. Simply put, Python is a multifaceted purpose language, which means it was designed for multiple purposes and was not built for one specific thing. It is the go-to language for beginners because it is pretty easy to learn.
It is referred to as a high-level language because it is closer to human comprehension, i.e. it is significantly different from machine language and other high-level languages (e.g. C programming language). This is what I mean:
The image above is “readable” compared to the image below:
And:
You see the difference, right?
Moving on,
According to the official Python documentation, “Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Its high-level built-in data structures, combined with dynamic typing and dynamic binding, make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development and for use as a scripting or glue language to connect existing components together.” This simply means that; its syntax (style of writing) is easy to read.
Why do developers learn Python?
- Python has a large support community:
Stack Overflow (a website that helps developers answer tough questions and help them learn from other developers) recorded in 2021 that 48% of its community use Python for their jobs. Core Python developers are called “Pythonistas.”
- As a Python Developer, you can access premium assistance from the Python community. Here is a list of python communities you should join. You can always go into Python forums or meetups to receive assistance from other Python developers if you ever encounter a problem. Community assistance might be highly beneficial if Python is your first programming language.
- Python has a wide range of developer-friendly libraries. A library is a collection of already made data and code that speeds up your work as a developer. It contains many pre-written “Functions”(come back to this boss) and “Classes”, which can be easily used in development. - instead of writing codes from scratch. You can think of it as a simple way to help you complete a task faster.
Examples of Python libraries for developers include:
- Web2Py
- CerryPy
- TensorFlow, Keras, and SciKit
- Bottle
- Random
The truth is, Python is pretty simple, especially when you compare it to the complexity of other languages.
Now you know why developers learn Python, let’s go to a step-by-step approach to learning Python.
STEP 1: Focus on the basic operations
Your first priority should be on the key operators, and this is because they serve as a foundation for every other code you would write. The most essential operators you need to learn are:
- Arithmetic Operators
- Relational Operators
- Bitwise Operators
- Assignment
- Logical Operators
- Identity Operators
STEP 2: Focus on data types and variables
After understanding the basic operators, go ahead and learn the following different data types:
- Integers
- Float
- Complex Numbers
- Boolean
- Strings
STEP 3: Understand how Lists, Tuples, Sets, and Dictionary works
- List: This is a data structure that is changeable or mutable. It is a series of items where each of them is cloaked in a single or double quotation mark(in the case of a “list of strings”) and then enclosed within a square bracket []. Each item is separated by a comma “ , ” and can represent different data types.
- Tuples: A tuple is a collection of " immutable " items. They are used to store items in a single array, and unlike lists, they are enclosed in a round bracket.
- Sets: A set is a collection of unique items (no item has a duplicate). Sets are immutable. (They can not be changed). They are enclosed in a curly bracket.
- Dictionary: A dictionary is a collection of items(values) in which every item has a key. It can be created by inserting a series of items into a curly bracket {}, with each value having its key. While learning dictionaries, remember that they are CASE SENSITIVE. I.e. “Day” is different from “day”
STEP 4: Focus on conditional statements and loops
Conditional statements are used in several programming languages, they are used to automate decision-making by evaluating the code to see if it matches the stated conditions. The conditions are assessed and classified as true or untrue. If this is confirmed, the program is executed as needed. Examples of conditional statements are:
- if
- else
- elif (Else if)
- break
- continue
- nested if
Concerning loops,
Looping is the process of repeating something until a specific condition is met. In Python, we have two major types of loops:
- For loops and
- While loops.
Pay good attention to them, you will always use them in your codes.
STEP 5: Understand how Python classes and function works
Simply put, a Python class is a prototype for creating an Object. For context: An Object is a collection of data combined with Functions that interact with the data.
While, A function is a piece of code that only executes when called. If a return statement is given, Python functions return a value. After a function has been declared, it can be “called” from anywhere.
STEP 6: Decorators in Python
Simply put, a decorator is a function that accepts another function as an input and returns another function. A pint confusing, right? Not to worry. You will get it.
STEP 7: Get your hands on Python Frameworks.
Ideally for your, you should pick between Django and Flask as a beginner; however as you continue to grow as a developer, you would find it easy to learn how other frameworks works (pun not intended).
Now you know the core areas let's check out the best resources that would help you get the necessary information you need;
Learning Resources
With over 36 million views on youtube, this tutorial has helped many developers get started on Python. The tutor is cool, calm, and easy to understand.
- Just in case you are not a fan of video, then you should read “ Automate The Boring Stuff With Python.”
You'll learn how to use Python to develop programs that perform what would take you hours to do by hand in minutes - no prior programming expertise required. Click here to buy a copy
This is where you go when you are confused. When confusion chokes your throat and your code is not running, there is a high chance you will find the answers you need on Stackoverflow.
- The Python Documentation Every programming language has its own documentation, which contains all the information about the language. With Python, it’s the same. The good thing is that documentation is always updated; hence you have access to the latest information about the language.
Click here for the documentation.
My two cents,
The steps above will guide your learning. However, Python is vast and wild. You'll pick up some other things along the way, but these steps will guide you.
It would get tough, but don't give up.
Happy coding!